U.S. General urges high-powered microwaves to counter drone swarms
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. Army’s latest operational laser weapon is currently undergoing testing in the Middle East, but General Michael Erik Kurilla, the chief of U.S. Central Command, believes that the military should focus on advancing directed-energy systems to counter the growing threat of adversary drones
Speaking during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on March 7, Kurilla emphasized the need to invest in high-powered microwaves to combat the potential future threat of drone swarms.
The U.S. military is facing an increasing threat from low-cost attack drones in regions such as Syria and Iraq. These drones, which are considered the greatest threat to U.S. service members in the area since the improvised explosive device (IED), have plagued troops deployed to outposts and warships in the Red Sea.
Following the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Iran-backed militias have targeted American forces, resulting in casualties and injuries.
General Kurilla emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “There are several incidents where [drones] coming into a base hit another object, got caught up in netting or other incidents where, had they hit the appropriate target that they were targeting, it would have injured or killed service members.” The proximity of these drones to personnel highlights the urgent need for effective defense measures.
General Kurilla’s call for investment in high-powered microwaves and directed-energy weapons reflects the urgency to enhance defense capabilities against drone swarms and other threats. The development and deployment of effective countermeasures are crucial to safeguarding the lives of U.S. service members operating in these volatile regions.
The U.S. Defense Department is currently working on 31 directed-energy projects with an annual funding of $1 billion, according to a 2023 report from the Government Accountability Office.